Manufacturer:
Wyeth-Ayerst

Generic Name:
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

Route:
i.m. (intramuscular)

Why is it prescribed?

Prevnar® vaccine contains pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is indicated for the immunization of infants and children from 6 weeks to 9 years of age against invasive diseases (e.g. meningitis), pneumonia and otitis media (middle ear infection) caused by the 7 strains of pneumococci contained in the vaccine.

Side Effects

Prevnar® vaccine contains pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Along with its needed effects, this vaccine may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, it is well tolerated and most children experience only minor unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects depends mainly on the individual's susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

• injection site reactions (e.g. redness, mild pain)
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• fever
• decreased appetite
• drowsiness
• restless sleep
• irritability

• allergic reaction (e.g. rash)

Precautions and Warnings for Prevnar® vaccine

Prevnar® vaccine contains pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

Children with impaired immune responsiveness, whether due to the use of immunosuppressive therapy (e.g. corticosteroids), a genetic defect, HIV infection, or other causes, may have a reduced antibody response to this vaccine. This vaccine may not protect 100% of individuals receiving the vaccine. Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications your child is taking. Immunosuppressants (e.g. corticosteroids) and blood thinners (e.g. warfarin) interact with this vaccine. Use is not recommended in the following situations:

• allergy to any component of the vaccine including diphtheria toxoid
• blood disorders

• impaired immune response (the body's ability to fight infection)

Patient Information

Prevnar® is a vaccine that offers protection from 7 different types of pneumococcal (pneumonia) bacteria.
It is to be administered by a qualified health professional only.
The injection is given i.m. (into the muscle), usually into the upper arm or the outside of the middle thigh.
Prevnar® can be given at the same time as other vaccines but should be injected from a separate syringe and at a separate site. Prevnar® may not work for everybody.
If you are presently giving a child antibiotics for the prevention of a pneumococcal infection, you should continue to do so after immunization with Prevnar®.
Prevnar® should be stored in the refrigerator (2 to 8 degrees centigrade). Do not freeze.

Directions for Use

For infants, the immunization series of Prevnar® consists of 3 doses of 0.5 mL each, at approximately 2-month intervals, followed by a fourth dose of 0.5 mL at 12 to 15 months of age. The customary age for the first dose is 2 months of age, but it can be given as young as 6 weeks of age. The recommended dosing interval is 4 to 8 weeks. The fourth dose should be administered at least 2 months after the third dose.

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

• middle ear infections
• pneumonia
• respiratory tract infections
• upper respiratory tract infections

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.